Eighteen suspects could face criminal charges following a retail theft bust targeting stores across San Bernardino County.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department became aware of a troubling rise in thefts targeting retail stores. The sometimes destructive and violent robberies often involved organized theft crews, investigators said.
Authorities began targeting and surveilling popular shopping districts in Rancho Cucamonga, Chino Hills, Apple Valley, Hesperia and Victorville.
In a weekslong operation taking place between Oct. 12 to 25, authorities from multiple agencies from across the county
During the busts, five suspects were arrested for felonies and 13 suspects were arrested for misdemeanors. Officers also recovered around $7,075 in stolen merchandise and property.
“These violent criminals terrorize the citizens of San Bernardino County by utilizing intimidation tactics and a mob mentality that creates an unsafe and uncomfortable shopping environment for our residents,” authorities said. “Investigators utilize conventional and non-conventional investigative methods to accomplish this task and lessen the blight created by these bad actors.”
Agencies involved in the operation included:
- San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Gangs/Narcotics Division
- Rancho Cucamonga Station
- Homeland Security Investigations
- California Highway Patrol
- San Bernardino Police Department
- San Bernardino County Probation Department
The suspects’ identities were not released as the incidents remain under investigation.
